5 Best Electrolyte Drinks When Sick
We’ve all heard of eating chicken soup or drinking broth when we aren’t feeling great. And while these old remedies may hold some truth, what’s most important when you're sick is to stay hydrated. This is especially true if you’re sweating a lot due to a fever, are vomiting, or have diarrhea.
Chronic or excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can disturb electrolyte balances. Imbalance electrolytes can make you feel even worse, so it’s especially important to keep them in check when you’re sick.
Below you’ll find a guide to everything you need to know about electrolytes. We’ll discuss why they’re so important, especially when you’re sick. You’ll also find a list of the five best electrolyte drinks to use when you’re feeling under the weather so that you can get on the path to feeling better.
- Elm & Rye Electrolyte Drink
- Prime Hydration Drink
- Nooma Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink
- Gatorade Fit Electrolyte Beverage
- BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are vital minerals that support many different processes throughout the body. These minerals support nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance. There are seven electrolytes in the body, including:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
- Bicarbonate
Each electrolyte has a specific role in the body. For example, sodium helps with nerve and muscle function. Calcium stabilizes blood pressure by helping blood vessels contract and expand. Chloride supports digestion and pH balance of bodily fluids.
Not having enough of each electrolyte can cause all sorts of side effects, including fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rate.
How Do I Know If I’m Dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when you’re losing more fluid that you’re taking in. On its own, dehydration can be quite dangerous, but it's even more serious when you’re sick. Initial dehydration symptoms are quite subtle but they worsen over time.
Common signs of dehydration include:
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dark urine
- Less frequent urination
- Headache that won’t go away
- Dry mouth or lips
If you experience any of these symptoms, replenish your body with an electrolyte drink. Not getting enough fluids, especially when you’re sick, can cause even more severe symptoms, including confusion, fainting, and rapid heartbeat.
Why Electrolyte Drinks Are So Important When You’re Sick
Electrolyte drinks are a convenient way to stay hydrated. They also taste great. It’s common to lose your appetite when you aren’t feeling well, which makes it even more important to drink as many fluids as you can.
If you have diarrhea, vomiting, or are sweating because of a fever, your body is losing fluid and electrolytes. Drinking electrolyte beverages throughout the day replenishes these lost minerals, while keeping you hydrated. Many electrolyte beverages are formulated with added vitamins, which are key for boosting the immune system to support faster recovery.
Consuming an electrolyte drink also helps with immune function. Drinking plenty of fluids also keeps you going regularly, which means your body will be able to eliminate toxins and infection from the body faster.
While there are many electrolyte drinks to choose from, it’s important to choose one that is healthy. Avoid ones that are loaded with sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. You want a nutrient-rich drink that will nourish and fuel your body to help you fight off your illness.
5 Best Electrolyte Drinks When You’re Sick
Resting and taking medicine can help you to overcome sickness. But one of the best things you can do is to ensure that you’re properly hydrated. Here are the five best electrolyte drinks to try so that you can kick your illness to the curb.
1. Elm & Rye Electrolyte Drink
Stay hydrated and promote faster healing with Elm & Rye Electrolyte Drink. This high-quality electrolyte drink is made with potassium, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and B vitamins. These compounds nourish your body from the inside out while supporting hydration and electrolyte levels. Elm & Rye Electrolyte Drink is available in great flavors like lemon lime, watermelon, and strawberry kiwi.
2. Prime Hydration Drink
Prime Hydration Drink offers a blend of essential B vitamins, antioxidants, and 834 mg of electrolytes in every bottle. It’s also made with coconut water to enhance hydration and to support electrolyte balance. Choose from flavors like strawberry banana, lemonade, ice pop, blue raspberry, and tropical punch.
3. Nooma Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink
Nooma Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink features a blend of organic ingredients that support hydration. This sports drink contains fast-absorbing electrolytes, coconut water, and Himalayan pink salt. Top flavors include chocolate mint, blueberry peach, and watermelon lime.
4. Gatorade Fit Electrolyte Beverage
Gatorade Fit Electrolyte Beverage replaces lost electrolytes quickly with ingredients like potassium and pantothenic acid. Each bottle also contains vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C for added health benefits. This drink comes in delicious fruit flavors like tropical mango, citrus berry, and blackberry raspberry.
5. BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink supports balanced hydration and electrolyte levels. It’s made with powerful ingredients like coconut water, potassium, and sodium. This electrolyte beverage comes in yummy flavors like peach mango, berry punch, blueberry and orange clementine.
How Else Can I Stay Hydrated When Sick?
You want to keep a close eye on your hydration levels when you’re sick. Even if you aren’t hungry or thirsty, it’s important to introduce fluids into your body. Consuming electrolyte drinks is just one of many ways to stay hydrated. Other ways to keep your fluid levels in a healthy range include:
- Drink plain water throughout the day
- Avoiding sugary and carbonated beverages
- Eating foods that are rich in water, such as watermelon, celery, oranges, broccoli, and bell peppers
- Eating electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, pickles, mushrooms, spinach, and potatoes
Urine is one of the best indicators of dehydration. If your urine is clear or pale yellow, you’re perfectly hydrated. Darker urine or urine that has a very strong odor indicates that you may be dehydrated.
Knowing how to stay hydrated, especially when you’re sick, is crucial so that you can quickly get on the path to healing.